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Best places to retire in the US 2026: Honest guide
From Florida to Colorado, discover the best places to retire in the US, with honest takes on costs, taxes, climate, and the best states and cities for every type of retiree.
The best places to retire in the US depend on your budget, how you want to spend your days, and how much you care about taxes, weather, healthcare, or being close to family.
This guide takes a strategic look at 10 strong retirement states across different budgets and lifestyles. We’re also giving honest answers to the questions that matter when you’re deciding where to spend the next chapter of your life.
Best places to retire in the US at a glance
| State | Best for | Cost level | No income tax | Climate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | Beaches and tax savings | Medium to high | Yes | Warm year round |
| Texas | Size, value and no income tax | Low to medium | Yes | Hot, varied |
| Tennessee | Budget and mountains | Low | Yes | Four seasons |
| North Carolina | Mountains and coast | Low to medium | No | Four seasons |
| South Carolina | Affordable coast | Low to medium | No | Warm |
| Virginia | Tax advantages and Mid Atlantic living | Medium | No | Four seasons |
| Georgia | Southeast value | Low to medium | No | Warm |
| Arizona | Sunshine and active living | Medium | No | Hot, dry |
| Colorado | Outdoor lifestyle | Medium to high | No | Sunny, high altitude |
| California | Coast and premium climate | High to very high | No | Varied |
The state summaries below give you quick answers, while each dedicated guide goes deeper into cities, costs, taxes and lifestyle.
Best places to retire in the US by state: Explore every guide
Florida: Best for beaches, sunshine, and tax savings
Florida is one of the best places to retire in the US for people who want year round warmth, easy access to beaches, and no state individual income tax. No other state in this cluster combines both Atlantic and Gulf Coast access with the same tax advantage. It gives you plenty of choices, from quieter communities to lively coastal cities.
Honest trade off: Hurricane risk is real and homeowners’ insurance costs have risen sharply, so factor both into your retirement budget before shifting here.
Read our guide on the best places to retire in Florida guide.
Texas: Best for size, affordability, and no income tax
Texas has no state income tax, is the largest state in the contiguous US, and has a cost of living below the national average in most cities outside Austin. If you want more space and plenty of options, Texas is one of the best places to retire in the US on a budget.
Honest trade off: High local property taxes can eat into your savings, while summer heat is intense across much of the state.
Read our best places to retire in Texas guide.
Tennessee: Best for budget retirement and mountain scenery
If you’re wondering where the best places to retire in the US are, Tennessee is a strong contender. It’s got low living costs, no state income tax, gorgeous mountains all around, and easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains in the east. Social Security, pensions, IRA distributions and 401(k) distributions are not taxed at the state level.
Honest trade off: There’s always a risk of tornadoes. Plus, retirees outside larger cities may have fewer specialist healthcare options.
Read our guide to top places to retire in Tennessee.
North Carolina: Best for mountains, coast, and four seasons
North Carolina is the only state in this cluster that gives retirees mountains, Atlantic beaches, and a distinctive four-season climate, all at a below-average cost of living. Social Security is also exempt from state income tax, making the state even more attractive for retirees watching their expenses.
Honest trade off: Asheville and parts of western North Carolina suffered significant damage in 2024 due to Hurricane Helene. And while the region has largely returned to normal, some infrastructure and recovery projects are still underway.
Read the full guide on the best places to retire in North Carolina guide.
South Carolina: Best for affordable coastal retirement
Since you’re looking for the best places to retire in the US, South Carolina is one state you should consider. It stands out for its Atlantic Coast access at prices often lower than what you’ll find in Florida cities. Social Security is exempt from state income tax, and mild winters make it appealing for retirees.
Honest trade off: Hurricanes and flooding are major concerns. So please research homeowners’ insurance costs before buying coastal property.
Read our guide to the best places to retire in South Carolina.
Virginia: Best for tax advantages and Mid Atlantic living
Virginia deserves your consideration if you’re coming from expensive northeastern states because Social Security is exempt. And qualifying residents aged 65 and older can claim an age deduction of up to $12,000, subject to income and birth date rules. You also get everything from the Blue Ridge Mountains to historic towns, as well as quick access to major East Coast cities.
Honest trade off: Northern Virginia, especially near Washington DC, can be extremely expensive. So, please consider western and southern Virginia for budget-friendly living.
Here’s our pick of the best places to retire in Virginia.
Georgia: Best for underrated Southeast value
Georgia is worth a closer look if Florida and the Carolinas feel too obvious or expensive. Social Security benefits are completely exempt from Georgia income tax, and qualifying retirees can exclude retirement income from state taxation, with the maximum being $65,000 per person.
Honest trade off: Georgia still has an individual income tax, and Atlanta is no longer the bargain it once was. Smaller cities and inland communities offer the better value.
Read our honest guide to the best places to retire in Georgia.
Arizona: Best for sunshine and active retirement
Since you’re here comparing the best cities to retire in the USA, do check out communities in Arizona. Apart from its 300+ sunny days a year, it also has an extensive network of active adult retirement community infrastructure, particularly across the Phoenix metro. For retirees who want to stay active year round and enjoy an organized community life, few states can match what Arizona offers.
Honest trade off: Temperatures at lower elevations regularly exceed 110°F for four to five months, and many retirees choose to leave during the hottest part of the year.
Read the full guide on the best places to retire in Arizona guide.
Colorado: Best for outdoor lifestyle and tax benefits
Colorado’s perfect for active retirees who want more than 300 days of sunshine, four distinct seasons, and world-class outdoor recreation. There’s also no estate or inheritance tax, and the state expanded its Social Security deduction beginning in 2025. For retirees who want an active lifestyle without Florida’s humidity, Colorado is the strongest option in this cluster.
Honest trade off: Living expenses are above the national average, and the state’s ski resort towns are not budget retirement destinations.
Read our guide to the best places to retire in Colorado.
California: Best for premium climate and coastal lifestyle
California makes sense for retirees who have the assets to pay for its advantages. It’s got fabulous Mediterranean weather, exceptional natural beauty, and major healthcare systems. The key is looking beyond famous coastal cities, because inland California can offer a very different price point.
Honest trade off: California has one of the highest state individual income tax rates in the country. And, housing and insurance can make coastal retirement expensive.
Read our picks for the best places to retire in California.
Which US state has the best overall retirement package?
Virginia and Tennessee make some of the strongest all around cases when you take into consideration taxes, affordability, healthcare access, and lifestyle. Florida wins if your priority is warm weather and no state income tax, while Colorado’s perfect for outdoor living. And Georgia delivers Southeast value without Florida’s coastal price pressures. The best places to retire in the US for retirees ultimately depends on your priorities.
What is the cheapest state to retire in the US?
Tennessee, inland Georgia, inland South Carolina, and lower cost Texas cities such as San Antonio and El Paso are among the most pocket-friendly choices in this list. Housing is the biggest variable, so comparing the cost of living in the US by specific city is more useful than relying on a statewide average. A retirement budget of $1,000 a month is not realistic for most people living in the US in 2026. Even in lower cost retirement markets, a single retiree should have about $2,500 to $3,000 per month for housing, food, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and insurance.
For more details, check out our blog on the cost of living in the USA.
What are the best places to retire in the world outside the US?
Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia consistently top international retirement guides. Each offers a lower cost of living, strong healthcare, an established expat community, and a clear path to retirement residency.
For US retirees splitting the year between countries, staying connected matters as much as getting the paperwork right. Rather than paying roaming fees or buying a new SIM at every border, an eSIM keeps things simple no matter which of the best places to retire in the world you’re spending time in.
Stay connected wherever you go with Holafly
A Holafly destination eSIM lets you arrange mobile data before departure, while Holafly Plans offers monthly coverage across 160+ destinations, with an Unlimited option and a lighter 25 GB option. The Unlimited Plan also includes hotspot use and a US, UK or Canada phone number for incoming SMS, which can be useful for verification codes.
For extra peace of mind, Always On provides 1 GB of backup data every 30 days when the eSIM remains installed. It activates automatically after your main data runs out, giving you enough connectivity for essentials like maps, messages, and travel bookings. If you are retiring in the US but expect to travel frequently, an eSIM for USA can keep domestic connectivity easy and straightforward.
FAQ: Best places to retire in the US
What are the best places to retire in the US?
Florida, Texas, Tennessee and Virginia are among the strongest choices because of taxes, cost, climate, and lifestyle.
What are the best places to retire in the US for taxes?
Florida, Texas, and Tennessee have no individual state income tax. Georgia, Virginia, and Colorado reduce the tax burden for qualifying retirees through exemptions and deductions.
What are the best places to retire in the world?
The USA, Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia are among the best places to retire in the world for retirees prioritizing affordability, healthcare and lifestyle. For US retirees considering splitting time internationally, Holafly Plans offers monthly coverage across 160+ destinations.
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With an MBA degree I used to put to good use in another life, I now write for both passion and profession! When not writing, I'm exploring the world, collecting stories and souvenirs along the way.
